Noribachi was founded in 2008 by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Farzad and Rhonda Dibachi.

Early notables in the burgeoning software technology industry, the Dibachis worked together to create Niku, an internet software company, as well as Diba, which pioneered the concept of internet appliances. Noribachi was founded as a clean-energy incubator in Albuquerque, NM. After experimenting with various technologies in the flourishing clean-tech world, such as solar and thermo-electric elements, the Dibachis realized that a niche of light emitting diode (LED) lighting promised to deliver real value and an attractive return on investment.

One fateful afternoon, Farzad decided to take down a pole in Noribachi’s parking lot and retrofit it with LED. The result was a new direction for the company.

Noribachi’s earliest lights were built with single LEDs soldered into a chain. Today, Noribachi has an expansive product line of high-out put LED lights built with modular light engines scalable from as little as six diodes to as many as 378 in one light. The company has over 100 products listed on the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) Qualified Products List.

Today, Noribachi is fully based in Los Angeles, CA where it manufactures its industry-changing LED lights.

• FARZAD DIBACHI

  
  

  FARZAD DIBACHI

  Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

  In this role, he brings two decades of experience as a technologist, senior executive, serial entrepreneur and investor.

  Prior to co-founding Noribachi, Farzad was founder, President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Niku Corporation, an infrastructure productivity software provider that created the first comprehensive suite of enterprise management applications for project and resource intensive organizations. Niku’s iNiku application was an early cloud-based software service. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Niku employed over 1,200 personnel at the time Farzad took the company public in 1999 in an IPO lead by Goldman Sachs (NASDAQ: NIKU). Computer Associates later acquired the company.

  Earlier, Farzad was co-founder, President and CEO of Diba, the first consumer information appliance company, which created Internet enabled TVs, smart phones and consumer devices. Diba was acquired by Sun Microsystems in 1997 just prior to going public in an offering led by Lehman Brothers. Diba became the foundation for Sun’s Consumer Technologies Group, which worked with consumer electronics companies to provide internet-ready, Java-enabled, TVs, set-top boxes, satellite boxes and smart phones.

  Before founding Diba, Farzad worked at the Oracle Corporation where he held a number of senior positions before becoming the Senior Vice President of Oracle’s New Media Division. Under his leadership, the 450-person New Media division developed the infrastructure technology and application prototypes for the first large-scale deployment of residential video-on-demand services. In addition, Farzad helped conceptualize Oracle’s efforts to create the network computer, a precursor to today’s internet-enabled computers that utilize cloud-based software applications. Farzad began his career as an engineer at General Electric. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a B.A. in Computer Science from San Jose State University.

  In addition to having served on the Board of Directors for multiple technology startups, Farzad is the co-author of “Just Add Management: Seven Steps to Creating a Productive Workplace and Motivating Your Employees In Challenging Times,” published by McGraw-Hill, 2002. He also authored from 1996-1997 the acclaimed “Diary of a Startup,” which was published in serial form by Upside Magazine. Farzad and his wife live in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California.

• RHONDA DIBACHI

  
  

  RHONDA DIBACHI

  Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer

  Prior to co-founding Noribachi, Rhonda was the co-founder of Niku Corporation, a Silicon Valley-based infrastructure productivity software provider that created the first comprehensive suite of enterprise management applications for project and human resource intensive organizations. At Niku she served as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning and Senior Vice President of Development where she was responsible for the design and development of Niku’s products, including iNiku, an early cloud-based software service. Rhonda helped take Niku public in 1999 in an IPO lead by Goldman Sachs (NASDAQ: NIKU). The company was later acquired by Computer Associates.

  Earlier, Rhonda was an executive for Webvan, the pioneer online grocery store where she was Director of Quality Assurance. She worked for the Oracle Corporation for seven years where she held a number of positions in the Business Applications Division, including Director of Testing and Development Manager and Architect for Oracle’s Manufacturing Applications. Rhonda began her career at Arthur Young (now Ernst & Young) as a manufacturing consultant implementing JIT, TQC, and other manufacturing process improvements at large manufacturing companies, and at GE as a nuclear power plant test engineer.

  Rhonda earned a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University. She is the author of numerous patents.

  Rhonda served on the Board of Trustees for The Bosque School, an independent K-12 education institution. She is currently on the Advisory Board of the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University and a member of Northwestern’s Initiative for Sustainability and Energy. Previously, she served on the Board of Directors of Accion New Mexico and on New Mexico’s State Board of Finance. Rhonda and her husband live in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California.

  In 2002, Rhonda co-authored “Just Add Management: Seven Steps to Creating a Productive Workplace and Motivating Your Employees In Challenging Times”, which was published by McGraw-Hill. She is also a sought- after author and speaker on the topic of woman technology entrepreneurs.

• ESTHER SANTOS

  
  

  ESTHER SANTOS

  Chief Operating Officer

  After receiving her marketing degree from the University of Miami School of Business, she packed her bags and said “hasta la vista,” to her life on the east coast—never looking back.

  She started her career at Toyota Motor Sales, Inc, in Los Angeles, CA where she began climbing the upper management echelons, first as a National Sales Administrator for Lexus, then on to Toyota District Sales Trainer and eventually as a District Manager where she broke records in every aspect of the job. She was highly commended for her work in increasing customer satisfaction, business development, and creative marketing strategy—leading her to become District Manager of the Year.

  Esther’s high-energy, go-getter, no-holds-barred attitude is best exemplified in her break from the corporate world to join Noribachi—a new start-up company specializing in solar and LED technologies at the time. During her tenure, she consistently increased sales and continues to take on any challenges with the same game-changing mindset.

  A workaholic, Esther spends whatever free time she has left over traveling the world and scuba diving. She is married and has two children, a lhasa apso and a shih tzu.

• BRUCE WIGGINS

  
  

  BRUCE WIGGINS

  Senior Vice President, General Counsel

  Bruce Wiggins is Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Noribachi. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed in “Best Lawyers in America.”

  Bruce has acquired a broad range of experience as General Counsel and Principal to private, public, start-up and seasoned companies in manufacturing, sales and distribution, financial, real estate development, transportation, healthcare and service businesses.

  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a reconnaissance platoon/patrol leader in Vietnam in 1968 for which he received a Bronze Star with Combat “V”. He later served in the Marine Corps reserves achieving the permanent rank of Lt. Colonel.

  Bruce is an avid tri-athlete, sailor and scuba diver and has been active in numerous non-profit organizations including serving on the Board of Directors of the New Mexico BioPark Society. He was educated at Stanford University and University of New Mexico where he received his law degree with honors in 1973 and was an adjunct faculty member for several years.

• What kind of return on investment can I expect from Noribachi’s LED retrofit solutions?

  The average ROI for our products is 2-3 years, though many customers have experienced an ROI of less than 1 year. Your ROI will depend on a number of factors, including the type of fixture being upgraded and light bulb being replaced, your electricity rate, weekly usage, and whether you select our solar-hybrid (higher energy savings) or LED-only retrofit solution.

• Will you provide me with an ROI Estimate in advance?

  Yes. Based on your current lamp type and usage, we can compare the total cost of ownership for your current application to one of our upgraded solutions. For extensive, building or campus-wide energy audits, and lighting designs, we charge a consulting fee to cover the cost of performing these more time-intensive audits, which can be credited towards the purchase of Noribachi’s solutions.

• What kind of reduction in energy usage can I expect from your products?

  Depending on the type and age of the fixture being upgraded, our customers have experienced up to an 85% reduction in energy usage when compared to their old bulbs. Customers who have purchased our LED-only retrofit applications are experiencing approximately 60-75% reduction in energy consumption, while integrated solar power components increase the amount of energy savings.

• Who will install and maintain my Noribachi Lighting fixtures?

  Noribachi provides installation instructions with all of our products suitable for any licensed electrician, but does not offer installation services at this time. In many cases, Noribachi can recommend companies in your area that have installed our products in the past.

• Are there case studies of previous Noribachi Retrofit applications?

  Yes. Please refer to our customer case studies.

• What is the average delivery time for our products?

  Depending on the specific application, requirements, and your geographic location, delivery time for standard product will vary from 2-8 weeks. Special orders can take more time.

• Are there funding grants or tax credit available for businesses buying Noribachi lights?

  Yes, many public sector entities are receiving stimulus funding which are available for energy conservation projects. In addition, the Federal government and many states offer solar-related and electricity conservation tax credits. Finally, many local power utilities offer their customers rebates for swapping out energy inefficient lighting fixtures for energy efficient solutions and usage rebates for significant electrical conservation. Ask your Noribachi dealer or sales representative for more details.

• How do Noribachi’s products perform under adverse weather conditions, such as hail?

  Our products perform comparable to conventional light fixtures. Additionally, Noribachi’s solar panels include hail resistant features for areas with heavy hail patterns; our solar panels are rated for 1” hail at 180 MPH winds.

• Does Noribachi warranty its products?

  Yes. We provide a 2 year limited warranty for the solar components; 3 year limited warranty on our low wattage LED line, and a 5 year limited warranty for retrofit LED bulbs, and LED fixtures. The warranty can be found on our website.

• What is Noribachi’s return policy?

  Noribachi accepts returns under very limited circumstances in the sole discretion of Noribachi. If a return is accepted by Noribachi, a Return of Materials Authorization (RMA) form will be sent to the customer or dealer promptly. This form must be filled out completely and be enclosed with the package that is returned.

• Where can I learn more about the benefits of LED Lights?

  There are many excellent websites that contain extensive information on how LEDs work and their benefits in commercial and industrial lighting applications. One of the best sources of information is the US Department of Energy:

  • DOE Buildings
  • DOE Using LEDs

• What are the main benefits of led lights over conventional HID fixtures?

  Here are just a few of the primary benefits:

  • Lower energy consumption
  • Longer service life; LED bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours
  • Durability; LED bulbs are resistant to thermal, vibrating shocks and turn on instantly from -40°C to 185°C, making them ideal for applications subject to frequent on-off cycling
  • Flexibility; LEDs allow for directional distribution of light
  • No infrared or ultraviolet radiation – UV light attracts bugs
  • No toxic chemicals; LEDs contain no mercury and do not require ballasts, which are often manufactured with PCBs
  • Very low heat generation; LEDs are can reduce climate control costs and are especially suited for cold storage facilities
  • No frequency interference; no ballast to interfere with radio and television signals
  • Wide range of color; LEDs can be manufactured to produce all colors of the spectrum without filters as well as white light in a variety of color temperatures

• What is Noribachi’s average range for junction temperature?

  45-85°C (113-185°F). This compares to average parking lot lights which operate at temperatures up to 750°F

• What is used on LEDs to make them warmer or more yellow?

  Phosphorus controls the color of LEDs. The more phosphorous on the LED, the “warmer” the LED will look, but the less light it will give off. The phosphorus coating absorbs some photons resulting in less light illumination. The less phosphorus deposited on the LED, the “cooler” the LED will look, but the brighter it will appear.

• How does Noribachi’s LED Lighting compare to induction lighting?

  Below are a few comparisons between LED and induction or electrodeless lighting.

  • LED has the ability to distribute light in a focused manner allowing for use in a larger variety of applications. LED lighting works great in high mounting applications, as well as task lighting or accent lighting, while induction lighting cannot be focused or throw as far due to it’s 360° light pattern.
  • LEDs have very low heat generation where induction lights produce high amounts of electrical radiation causing serious heat issues. The ballast and driver for induction lighting must be isolated from the lamp to control heat.
  • LEDs can easily be retrofitted in many interior or exterior lighting applications where retrofitting is difficult for induction lighting because the bulb is large in size and must be shielded from the driver.
  • LEDs are environmentally sensitive and contain no mercury or other hazardous materials.
  • Induction lights do not dim properly where LEDs have great dimming characteristics.
  • LEDs can be used in cold environments; induction lighting does not function well in colder environments.

• Is heat an issue with LED products?

  Noribachi only uses high quality LEDs that have a high efficacy (lumens/watt), eliminating the need to overdrive the LEDs, minimizing heat. Noribachi’s lighting solutions are designed with heat sink mounting and engineered to include an integrated fan to dissipate heat in high light output situations

• What is CRI and how does LED hold up to the competition?

  Color Rendition Index (CRI) is a quantitative measurement of a light source’s ability to match natural light, or color accuracy. Based on sunlight having a CRI of 100, LED has a CRI of 65-95 depending on the desired color temperature. For comparison:

  • Fluorescent lamps have a CRI between 60-80
  • Mercury vapor lamps have a CRI of 45
  • High pressure sodium lamps have a CRI of 22
  • Low pressure sodium lamps have a CRI of 10
  • Metal halide lamps have a CRI of 65

• What is efficacy and how does LED hold up to the competition

  Efficacy is the amount of light produced compared with the amount of power required to produce it. This is measured in lumens per watt. Noribachi’s LEDs generally have an efficacy between 110-140 lumens/watt. For comparison with other directional light sources:

  • Mercury Vapor = 50 lumens/watt
  • Metal Halide = 80 lumens/watt
  • Fluorescent = 60 lumens/watt
  • Halogen = 10 lumens/watt

• Are Noribachi products UL certified?

  Yes. We have independent testing, inspections and certifications based on UL Standards performed and enforced by Intertek ETL Semko Division. Our components (CLUs & ULC) are ETL Recognized to UL Standards. Our Light Bulbs are ETL Classified to UL Standards. Our Fixtures are ETL Listed to UL Standards.

• Will installing Noribachi retrofit light bulbs in my current fixture void the UL certification?

  No, just like changing the light bulb normally, changing your current light bulb to an efficient Noribachi LED light bulb won’t affect the UL certification. Putting our Noribachi ETL listed bulb into your UL certified fixture is safe and saves energy.

• Why does Noribachi choose ETL rather than just go with UL Labs?

  ETL is quicker, more economical, and they undergo performance tests on the light bulbs. UL only provides results on a pass/fail basis, where ETL, if needed, will tell the customer where they need to improve. This was helpful when we sent our first light bulb to them.

• When was the company founded?

  Visible Light Solar Technologies was created as an internal technology project company within the venture accelerator, Noribachi Group, LLC, in early 2008. Farzad and Rhonda Dibachi, the co-CEOs of Noribachi, oversaw an engineering team who developed the Universal Lighting Controller (ULC), the power management software and hardware infrastructure which are critical components of Noribachi’s products. In addition, the Noribachi engineering team developed a series of application specific solar devices to provide photovoltaic lighting options. In 2011, Visible Light Solar Technologies  and other subsidiaries of Noribahi Group were consolidated into Noribachi Corporation.

• What is the company’s source of funding?

  Noribachi is backed by a number of private investors.